Student Resources

Dutton Fisher Associates Ltd has a focus on supplying everyone with Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) throughout their period of studying with us. We understand the importance of everyone accessing IAG that is accurate, up to date and easily understood, whether this be in relation to their qualification or their well-being.

The aim of our IAG offer is to enable individuals to achieve qualifications to professionalise themselves in the workplace and support their ongoing career management and development. For all development programmes, and in particular apprenticeships, we have a detailed on-boarding process that ensures learners and their employers are correctly placed on a programme at the correct level for their career and professional development.

We recognise that some people will need IAG to overcome their barriers to learning. Some people will need IAG to be supported through a particularly stressful time, others will need IAG to aid their professional development.

At DFA we recognise that IAG needs to be responsive to changes and developments both at an individual level as well as an organisational level.

Our IAG Objectives are to:

Increase opportunity awareness in relevant sectors and vocational areas
Provide appropriate and timely support to maximise retention and timely achievement of qualifications and apprenticeships
Develop understanding and application of professionalism in the workplace
Improve informed decision making
Enable positive progression in current roles through promotion in the work place and/or sector of vocational area
Increase self-awareness through coaching approaches

The Outcomes of DFAs IAG offer are:

Improved confidence, motivation andenthusiasm
Increased self and opportunity awareness
Raised aspirations
Increased productivity in the workplace
Qualification achievement
Well informed and realistic decisions
Transferable career planning and management skills
Identification and addressing of barriersand issues
Positive progression or destinations

We are proud to provide professional information, advice and guidance on all matters of professional development and career progression within our areas of expertise. We also have excellent support mechanisms within the organisation for some areas of health and well-being including stress management, safeguarding and additional learning support. Where we don’t have the expertise, the links below to our IAG pages for Career and Health and Well Being will signpost you to professional, expert supporting organisations.

DFA offers a wide range of professional qualifications, apprenticeships and bespoke development programmes for all levels within organisations. We invite you to contact us to discuss your individual or organisational requirements and we will provide information Advice and Guidance on how to choose the most beneficial development opportunities.

Programmes Explained

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship is a real job where you learn, gain experience and get paid. You’re an employee with a contract of employment and holiday leave. By the end of an apprenticeship, you’ll have the right skills and knowledge needed for your chosen career. Apprenticeships are for new recruits and for employees wishing to up-skill, and progress within their chosen career.

They are funded through contributions made to the government by your employer ( The Apprenticeship Levy)

DFA offers apprenticeships in Housing, Leadership and Management, Coaching, Business Administration and Customer Service.

For mor information follow this link Becoming an apprentice (apprenticeships.gov.uk)

Accredited Qualifications

Accreditation is the official certification that a course has met standards set by external regulators. In England, the Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual) is a regulator of qualifications, examinations and assessments. Ofqual’s role is to maintain standards and confidence in qualifications. They oversee all qualifications including vocational and technical qualifications which includes all professional Qualifications offered through the Awarding Bodies that DFA work with including

– The Chartered Institute of Housing

– The Chartered Manager Institute

– The Institute of Leadership and Management

– City And Guilds

An awarding body is an examination board which sets exams and awards qualifications.

This means if you complete an accredited programme with DFA it will be recognised across the UK and is official confirmation you have gained an Ofqual approved qualification

Levels or Qualifications

Most qualifications have a difficulty level: the higher the level, the more difficult the qualification. The levels reveal the difficulty of the acquired qualification commensurate with the academic requirement. However, within a particular level, qualifications can cover a wide range of subjects and take varying amounts of time to complete. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland there are nine levels of qualification, which you can review following this link:

What qualification levels mean: England, Wales and Northern Ireland – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Bespoke Programmes

A bespoke programme is a programme that is designed specifically for you or your organisation. DFA will work with you to agree the desired outcomes of the development, the delivery methodology, timescales and intended audience.

Student Resources

COMPANY INFORMATION